Tommy Coyle believes a world title fight against Jorge Linares has come too early in Luke Campbell’s career.

Since earning his gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, Campbell’s career has progressed at lightning pace, making giant-sized steps through the ranks to the very top of the lightweight division.

Since his debut in 2013, Campbell has had 18 fights, 17 wins, including a knock-out win over Coyle, but his opponent that day feels Campbell would have been better off waiting for a while longer for his chance.

READY FOR THE FIGHT IN LA: Luke Campbell at the media workout for his fight with Jorge Linares. (Image: Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions)

“Don’t get me wrong he’s a great fighter and you have to take your hat off to him for taking a fight with one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet at the minute. He should have taken the Crolla fight first then maybe three more to build him before Linares.

“I have 110 per cent respect for him for taking the leap but I think he’ll get beat. It will be a chess match early on, but Linares will establish dominance as the fight goes on. He is the best in the lightweight division at the minute, in my opinion.